Natalie is a project manager, and process engineer based in the Winnipeg, Manitoba office. As the Area Market Sector Leader for Western Canada, her focus is mainly on wastewater treatment. Natalie completed her master’s thesis in civil engineering on deammonification in 2017 while on maternity leave. She and her family are avid camping enthusiasts.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I fell into the water industry by accident. I had originally entered engineering thinking that I would be mitigating environmental degradation through Environmental Impact Assessments, following my mother’s footsteps as a soil conservationist. In 2016, a co-op position within ArchTam’s Winnipeg water department changed my mind, when I was able to work alongside inspiring people on a few interesting projects.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve been lucky and very grateful to work on many projects where I’ve been challenged with stretch goals, and worked with interesting clients on diverse infrastructure concepts. I enjoy alternative delivery projects that allow for extensive collaboration with owners and the construction team. This collaboration allows for ‘project-best’ decisions, with the entire team prioritizing the project’s best interests. The upgrades at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant for the City of Winnipeg have enabled our team to deliver each phase in the most effective way for the project. ArchTam is the Owner Engineer, and we help the City determine the delivery method first before moving forward. As the program manager, I enjoy building an ArchTam team from around the globe; being able to reach out and bring expert support for this upgrade is very rewarding. Recently, we’ve been deploying over 100 ArchTam staff per month to support our 8 active projects within the program. From designers and managers to wastewater operators, quality reviewers, DB advisors, cost estimators, and project controls, we leverage a wide range of expertise within ArchTam. Having such a diverse team allows us to approach problems from different angles and develop solutions that mitigate risks. This project has made me very proud to work for a company that truly values our various levels of technical expertise.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

When I started working full-time after graduation, I was given the opportunity to relocate to Trinidad to help a team on the design of two new wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems that ArchTam had been awarded. I was able to help but also learn on every project aspect. In addition to the facilities’ design, we encountered challenges that are likely unique to developing countries. For example, there were no proper as-builts on some of the sewered portions so we had to build our own – popping manholes and measuring. It was personally eye-opening to see how wastewater collection and treatment had been previously handled. Almost every community had potable water, but wastewater was either overflowing into drainage ditches or running through abandoned or neglected treatment facilities. Although it took a while for construction to begin, the impact that ArchTam’s team has made on improving the wastewater infrastructure and overall environment in Trinidad cannot be overstated.  

Share a piece of career advice.

Never stop asking questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s through setting those stretch goals for yourself and figuring out how to achieve them that you can meet some incredible people within ArchTam and our industry.

You should also try to get involved in a professional organization outside of work. Help organize an event, meet up with the local young professional (or old professional!) group, provide mentoring, and just get out there and meet your peers from other companies. Share your passion for doing what you love.

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That’s why Erika’s recent move into the role of Lead Service Line Leader for the U.S. West comes at such a pivotal time. In this position, she helps teams and clients navigate complex regulations, leads monthly meetings with a team of ArchTam experts and brings together professionals from across the country to share resources and lessons learned. In doing so, she enables the rapid deployment of best practices across the lead service line replacement projects we deliver with our utility partners.

Collaboration is at the heart of her work and attending the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Quality Technology Conference in November 2025 offered the perfect opportunity to learn, connect and bring fresh insights back to her team.

Why I attended Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC)

I first attended WQTC in 2022, when I presented on the lead service line investigations we were conducting on behalf of Denver Water. It was exciting to share our approach and even more rewarding to see how much interest utilities showed in the discussion. For the 2025 event, my focus was different. With my new role, I wanted to gain perspectives on industry practices for lead pipe replacement and apply those learnings internally. Networking with peers and hearing about emerging trends was my priority.

What stood out most

The sessions were packed with insights. Here are a few that really stuck with me:

1. Innovation in lead service line identification
   U.S. regulations require utilities to replace lead service lines by 2037. First, they need to know what their pipes are made of. I saw technologies such as X-ray fluorescence that can identify pipe materials without the need to dig up people’s front yards. That’s huge for utilities trying to work efficiently and minimize disruption.
2. PFAS
   PFAS was a major topic, with utilities exploring treatment options to meet strict standards. The regulatory pressure is real, and it’s driving innovation across the industry. For example, treatment technologies are looking to enhance traditional adsorption through novel media that better withstands background organics, or through powdered forms applied in controlled reaction tanks and recovered via membranes, filters or similar processes. There are also advancements underway with the scaling up of foam fractionation processes to separate PFAS from the water column in complicated liquid streams. This approach creates a low‑volume, PFAS‑rich foamate needing little pretreatment, making it well‑suited for use with emerging destruction technologies.
3. Wildfire impacts on water quality
   Living in Colorado, this hit close to home. Ash and chemicals from wildfires can enter raw water reservoirs, overwhelming treatment plants. Some projects are piloting ways to treat ash from recent fires to prepare for future events.

A keynote that inspired me

One of the most inspiring talks came from a NASA engineer who designed the International Space Station’s water treatment system, capable of recovering 98 percent of urine into drinking water. It was a powerful reminder that innovation starts by questioning what we take for granted — like the role of gravity in water treatment and reimagining solutions for environments where those basic assumptions no longer apply. Beyond the technical talks, I enjoyed hearing how challenges vary across regions. In Denver for example, customers have embraced lead service line replacements thanks in part to strong community engagement and an education program that builds trust and understanding. However, distrust of local government makes it harder. Small and rural utilities face different hurdles, like not having GIS systems, which makes it harder to locate service lines, plan replacements efficiently, and meet regulatory reporting requirements. Those conversations were eye-opening and gave me a broader perspective of the challenge.

How it helped me grow

Attending WQTC was as much about learning as it was about connecting. Talking to people outside Colorado and hearing what everyone else is doing helps me grow professionally. Meeting AWWA folks who work on the regulatory front in Washington, D.C. was fascinating too. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the policy side of what we do. I’m also excited to be part of the AWWA Distribution System Water Quality Committees to help with the young professional activities and initiatives for the upcoming year. We’re working to get more young professionals involved, encourage abstract submissions for future conferences, and create opportunities for growth. Building the next generation of water leaders is something I’m passionate about.

Looking ahead

As I step into this new role, my focus is clear: collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing. Every utility faces unique challenges, but we all have the same goal — to provide safe, reliable drinking water. WQTC reminded me how important it is to keep learning and connecting.

If you’d like to share your experiences with lead service line replacement or water quality challenges, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Tom Fini is Process Mechanical Lead for ArchTam’s New York Metro region, specializing in the design of pumping systems, force mains, and water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. As a member of our Process Mechanical and Pumping Systems Technical Practice Group, Tom oversees standards, master specifications, and the design of mechanical process systems, materials handling, and chemical storage and feed systems.

In this Deep Dive, we are highlighting how Tom and his team enhanced the reliability of New York City’s sewer infrastructure by rehabilitating the Avenue U Pumping Station, while implementing innovative strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations during the upgrade.

In urban environments, rehabilitating critical infrastructure like pumping stations presents a unique set of challenges, especially when continuous operation is non-negotiable. The Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation project in Brooklyn, New York City (NYC), exemplifies innovative engineering solutions to these challenges. The pumping station serves the community by collecting and pumping wastewater from the surrounding area to the treatment facility, preventing flooding and ensuring the safe and reliable conveyance of sewage. It plays a critical role in protecting public health and maintaining environmental standards in Brooklyn.

Serving the community for decades, the station faced aging equipment, structural vulnerabilities and limited operational flexibility. The challenge, therefore, was to modernize the station while keeping it fully operational throughout the construction process. The project is not only addressing immediate infrastructure needs but also serves as a model for future rehabilitation efforts. As cities worldwide grapple with aging infrastructure, the lessons from Avenue U will guide engineers and policymakers in maintaining essential services during complex upgrades.

Tell us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it delivering a better world?

The Avenue U Pumping Station is certainly one of the most impactful projects I’ve delivered. As the design manager for this project, I led a multidisciplinary team to address the complex challenges of upgrading this critical piece of infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted operations. The Avenue U Pumping Station is a cornerstone of the city’s wastewater management system, and its rehabilitation is essential to ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of this vital infrastructure.

With the design phase now complete and the project moving into the bid phase, we are one step closer to realizing the tangible outcomes of this work. The upgrades will improve the operational efficiency of the pumping station, reducing the risk of system failures and extending its service life by decades. This will directly contribute to environmental sustainability by preventing potential wastewater overflows, which can have severe ecological and public health impacts. Notably, this project is pursuing at least Gold Envision Certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and resilience. Economically, the project will ensure uninterrupted wastewater services for thousands of residents and businesses, avoiding costly disruptions and maintaining the quality of life in the community.

Upholding our Sustainable Legacies principles, the project aligns with our commitment to sustainable infrastructure. By implementing innovative solutions to maintain continuous operations during construction, we are minimizing the project’s environmental footprint and ensuring positive social impacts by safeguarding essential services for the community.

What was a key challenge you/your team faced while working on this project? How did you solve it?

The primary challenge was designing a rehabilitation plan for the pumping station that would allow it to remain fully operational throughout the construction process. This required developing a comprehensive bypass pumping system capable of handling the station’s full capacity without interrupting service. The complexity of working in a dense urban environment, with limited space and strict regulatory requirements, added another layer of difficulty.

As the design manager, I played a central role in coordinating with the client, contractors, and other stakeholders to develop an innovative bypass system that is both constructible and resilient. My responsibilities included managing the design team, ensuring seamless communication across disciplines, and aligning our approach with the client’s goals and regulatory requirements. We conducted detailed hydraulic modeling and risk assessments to ensure the system could handle peak flows and unexpected scenarios. One key innovation was incorporating an interconnecting pipe between two influent manholes at the pumping station, replicating existing conditions and enhancing system flexibility.

A memorable breakthrough moment came when we finalized the design of the bypass system, ensuring it met all operational and regulatory requirements. This was a testament to the team’s meticulous planning, collaboration and leadership. My role involved not only bringing unique ideas to the table, such as optimizing the layout of the bypass system to minimize space requirements but also ensuring that these ideas were executed effectively through close coordination with all parties involved.

How has ArchTam enabled you and your teams to cultivate the expertise needed to deliver the Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation project — and future work like it?

ArchTam has been instrumental in providing the resources, support and collaborative environment needed to deliver complex projects like the Avenue U Pumping Station rehabilitation. Our emphasis on technical excellence and innovation allowed our team to leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies, such as advanced hydraulic modeling. In particular, ArchTam’s Water Technical Academy has been an invaluable resource, offering specialized courses on water and wastewater engineering topics that have deepened our team’s expertise and kept us at the forefront of industry advancements.  As the design manager, I drew on our global expertise and best practices to guide the team and deliver a design that meets the client’s needs.

This project has also provided an excellent opportunity for professional growth. I was able to develop new skills in project management, stakeholder coordination and innovative problem-solving. Additionally, I had the chance to mentor junior team members, helping them broaden their expertise in process mechanical design. Leading a diverse team through such a complex project reinforced the importance of clear communication, adaptability and fostering a collaborative culture.

The lessons learned from this project have prepared me and my team to tackle similar challenges in the future. We’ve gained valuable insights into designing resilient infrastructure in urban environments and maintaining operational continuity during complex upgrades. This experience has shaped my approach to future work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in delivering infrastructure solutions that truly make a difference.

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As chief resident engineer from our Water business line in Hong Kong, Cherry Yau shares one of her most impactful Water projects: the transformation of a traditional sewage treatment plant into a safe and green ecological campus for all.

The project started end of 2019 and involved upgrading the capacity and treatment levels of an existing Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Plant to become Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant (SWHEPP), for which we continue to provide design, project management and construction supervision services. Our primary goal for the project in conjunction with our client, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) of Hong Kong SAR, is to deliver the facility in a safe, cost-effective and collaborative manner while building strong relationships with different stakeholders and the surrounding local communities. Upon completion, SWHEPP will become the largest tertiary sewage treatment plant in Hong Kong and will meet the needs of the new development areas in the region.

I am the chief resident engineer for the project and lead a team of 130 staff overseeing four construction contracts. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, I’m also involved in the implementation of digital technologies such as Blockchain, BIM, CDE and electronic site supervision systems. Safeguard is one of our core values at ArchTam. Due to the nature of the project and the potential hazards involved, safety is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to protecting the workers on-site.

The construction of SWHEPP is a complex project that involves various risky construction activities such as deep excavation, construction of large reinforced concrete tanks in special shape, working within running sewage, and installation of hefty mechanical and electrical systems. Safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and injuries and minimize various risks such as confined space, work at heights, heavy lifting and electrical hazards.

Together with the project team, we have implemented a comprehensive safety program that includes training on safety protocols, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, deriving alternative construction method to avoid risky construction operations, conducting regular safety inspections, and promoting a culture of safety on the job site.

These safety measures have ensured that the project is completed with minimal incidents. They’ve also received wide acclaim. SWHEPP has won the Best Construction Sites Safety and Housekeeping Award (E&M Works Contracts Category) from DSD’s Construction Sites Safety and Housekeeping Award Scheme 2021, and Merits in 27^th and 28^th Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme by the Development Bureau.

Additionally, the project team conglomerated a unified BIM execution plan covering the four contracts under this project and adopts BIM360 as a Common Data Environment (CDE) to serve as the project’s centralized design information and data exchange platform. The CDE allows each discipline and each interfacing contractors to gather synchronized information with up-to-date models, based on which project team members can carry out cross discipline discussions to identify interface issues which require coordination, as well as to visualize construction methodologies and future operation modes with animations to identify potential safety concerns prior to implementation.

With advanced technologies such as the Membrane Bioreactor, the plant will be able to treat effluents efficiently and meets the tertiary standards to avoid extra pollution to the nearby Deep Bay which has high ecological value for the neighboring community. Through improved water quality in the area, the project will create a positive impact on the general public and will help preserve the local marine environment.

We were also able to increase the treatment capacity of the plant two-fold within its existing footprint. This upgrade allows the plant to treat more sewage and meet the needs of a growing population in the New Territories. The project ensures that there is sufficient capacity to treat sewage, reducing the pollutants and improving the overall quality of life for the local community.

This project was selected as Winner of Water Project (2021), Winner of Contract Innovation (2022), and Runner-up of Consultant (2023) of the Year under the Martin Barnes Awards, which recognizes excellence in project delivery and showcase examples of good practice through collaboration from across the world. 

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Anna Cleaver is the market sector leader for wastewater in Ontario, Canada and a process engineer who focuses on biological wastewater treatment design and operations. She is a former student of ArchTam’s Water Academy, a global advanced training program that nurtures and develops emerging water technical leaders at every stage of their career with the company. Anna has recently taken on the role of co-director of the Water Academy’s Wastewater Treatment: Liquid Stream program and hopes to inspire budding wastewater process engineers across the globe.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry

I grew up on a farm in southwestern Ontario, where my family was fortunate to have a good well on our property, whereas many well sources in the area contained hydrogen sulfide. I understood at an early age how water quality could significantly influence one’s quality of life.

After doing a school project on dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (commonly known as DDT), I was inspired to develop alternative biopesticides to lessen farming’s impact on the environment. I pursued chemical and biochemical engineering at university, which led me to hydraulics in the oil and gas industry in Calgary, Alberta. This experience provided me with an opportunity to eventually move back to Ontario and work in water distribution. In this new role, I worked closely with a wastewater engineer who loved these ‘little bugs’ and I immediately became curious about biological wastewater treatment. I was thrilled! I had finally found my way back to improving water quality for the public and protecting the environment. Without any formal education in this area, ArchTam’s Water Academy provided me with the knowledge to launch a career in the field. I am certainly grateful for this training and support in developing my skills and pursuing my passion — utilizing biology to reduce peoples’ impact on the environment.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

The upgrade, expansion and optimization of the Greenway Wastewater Treatment Centre in London, Ontario is by far my most memorable work experience. Greenway is in the heart of the city, adjacent to the very popular river path and equally popular off-leash dog park. Although the surrounding area is owned by the City, it was important to the public to contain the treatment plant within its existing boundaries. I was excited by this challenge and to be involved in this project from the start — from its beginnings in the planning phase through to final construction and optimization. The project increased the plant’s treatment capacity within the existing site boundaries while mitigating raw sewage discharges to the Thames River. Our team repurposed poor performing clarifiers with square concrete tanks for chemically enhanced primary treatment of wet weather flows. The increased plant capacity delayed the need for a new wastewater treatment plant in the City’s southeast. After construction was successfully completed, our team continued to work with the City to evaluate the sewershed and satellite plants to best use available capacity at all plants and avoid the need for future large capacity upgrades.  

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I am acutely aware that in Canada, the water infrastructure that ArchTam designs is funded by public money. I work closely with all levels of wastewater operations to ensure the decisions I make provide value. Large capital upgrades are necessary to sustain our infrastructure – and I search hard to find the balance of spending and improving. The highest value isn’t necessarily the highest cost option. I look to provide infrastructure that the client will use to improve the effluent quality, minimize overflows and simplify operational procedures.

Share a piece of career advice.

A mentor once told me, “You can have 20 years of experience, or you can have 10 years twice.” I work hard to ensure I’m on a 20-year career path. Careers are built one day at a time. With that in mind, never be comfortable with your current level of knowledge or consider your work to be routine. Always be curious, ask questions, follow up with operators and find learning opportunities in everyday tasks.

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David is a vice president and senior construction manager in ArchTam’s Water business line in New York Metro region. With 32 years of experience in environmental engineering and construction management, David has managed construction projects in New York City for agencies such as the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Housing Authority, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I grew up in a blue-collar household — my father was a steel worker — and he always told me to respect the craft. I started right out of college as a design engineer and was tasked to build what I “put on paper,” which was how I fell in love with the construction side of the business. I truly enjoy managing construction and coordinating activities with the general contractor and all of the construction trades.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why? 

I’ve found that projects that involve restoring the environment and remediating hazardous waste are among the most interesting and challenging. From the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to North Carolina and New York, I’ve worked on projects where we successfully removed and disposed of thousands of tons of hazardous soil and treated millions of gallons of contaminated water. Being a part of restoring ecosystems and bringing clean, safe drinking water to communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

For more than 30 years, my work has focused on delivering water and wastewater projects for the city of New York, and I can assure you that New York’s infrastructure is historically one of the best. One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was the emergency response at NYCDEP’s North River plant after a fire destroyed the main pumping systems. Within 48 hours after the fire was extinguished, pumping capacity was restored and the plant was operational again. I then managed nine contracts for emergency restoration to increase pumping capacity and rebuild the damaged portion of the plant.

The work I’ve done throughout my career informs everything I do now as a construction manager with ArchTam, including taking on challenging projects such as Value Engineering (VE) studies for the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission in New Jersey and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. I look forward to more experiences where I can bring world-class services to solve our clients’ most complex challenges and truly live up to our promise of delivering a better world.

Share a piece of career advice.

Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take on a new task and accept that challenge, even if you’ve never done it before. It’s the only way you will grow. I’ve passed this advice on to my children, challenging them to take on tasks that may be a bit uncomfortable. Watching them grow and mature through the process is a pleasure.

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The City of Columbia identified the 2.7-mile-long sewer line as a top priority after several years of evaluating their major trunk sewers. Its replacement was a key part of a comprehensive program addressing the city’s system capacity and structural issues.  As it was developed more than 50 years ago as a gravity sewer line, the Lake Katherine project had a fixed route that made repairs challenging. Further complicating matters, replacement required numerous easements as the route traverses a commercial area, a lakefront residential area and is in proximity to two creeks, one of which is a protected waterway.

Here are some of the lessons we learned as we brought this project over the finish line:

Talk. Talk. And talk some more.  When talking with the communities involved, keep the dialogue flowing about the issues that are relevant to them. Some engineers have reputations for avoiding interactions and only looking at numbers and plans. We knew from the outset that communication and coordination across our project team, the general public, conservation groups and homeowners’ associations (HOA) would be key. To us, this meant making a concerted effort to listen to concerns, provide information and work with the community and public entities from design to construction to project completion.

We held formal and informal meetings to receive community input and provide inclusion, answer questions and enable the community to have a say in the overall process. During those meetings, we provided construction schedule updates and discussed what to expect next. When questions arose about a specific property, we met property owners on site to discuss and solve problems. The city did its part, adding updates on social media and sending out phased mailers, to make residents aware of project activities.

Pay attention to design and constructability. We looked at the project design not only through our engineering lens but as community members evaluating what was needed for constructability. One of the biggest challenges was gaining workspace. At Lake Katherine, a man-made 150-acre lake controlled by the HOA of the same name, we had to bring 30-inch pipes and heavy equipment into very tight spaces to work on sewer lines between the homes and the lake’s edge in an area that incorporated retaining walls and established landscaping.  

It was clear that we would need the use of the lakebed to complete our work along the lake. To make this possible, we secured a temporary construction easement during the design from the HOA and came to an agreement to lower the lake level during construction. Our contractor continued the outside the box thinking, advancing the idea of creating a temporary road along the lake in the temporary easement to bring in the equipment without traversing residents’ backyards. Relying on communications skills, we worked closely with the HOA on the easement, agreement and use of the temporary road during construction.

Our team goal, across city workers and contractors to ArchTam professionals, was to allay individual concerns. This was especially significant for the work easements along Lake Katharine. In 2015 these homeowners experienced a 1000-year flood centered on our project route that destroyed or severely damaged homes which then required years of repairs. Homeowners did have to allow for retaining walls to be temporarily removed during construction. It was important they trust that their properties would be restored to initial condition once work was completed. The HOA board was a key part of this success, providing communication to homeowners regarding progress and issues and communicating individual homeowners’ needs to us.

Take action. As a team,we lived by the mantra “be flexible, find solutions.” We moved quickly to solve problems as we went through project construction. Our work on the temporary road was one aspect of this approach. Another was managing the concerns arising from the commercial district regarding the potential presence of heavy machinery during the holiday season. Our easement decreed the contractor could not be on a commercial property from October 1^st to January 15^th to accommodate these needs and we arranged the schedule to work on other aspects of the project at that time.

Completion of the sewer line repairs was a win-win for those living along the project route. The newly repaired pipeline prevents spills and overflow and the damage and pollution that goes along with them. Lake Katherine’s homeowners found their properties were restored to their pre-construction condition. And the city will have a sewer line equal to the task of providing service for years to come.

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